The Deer Valley Skyhawks boys basketball team brought in its first-ever state championship title after a 63-61 overtime victory against the Sahuaro Cougars on Thursday.
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The Skyhawks’ (27-4) boys basketball team may now refer to itself as state champions after Thursday’s win.
They entered the Open State Playoffs as the No. 16 seed and knocked Sahuaro out of that bracket. However, Deer Valley then matched up against the reigning champion Perry Pumas (23-6), and was eliminated.
Sahuaro was not able to make a run in the state playoffs. The Skyhawks still did not let that deter them from their ultimate goal. Winning a state championship is the dream for many of these kids and coaches, making this a season they will never forget.
Deer Valley @DVHSAthletics1 @DVUSD 4A STATE CHAMPS! pic.twitter.com/TQQZHXjglN
— Curt Finch, PhD (@DrFinchDVUSD) March 1, 2024
After falling short to Peoria in last year’s championship game, the Skyhawks came out on top this time. Deer Valley will enter next season as the team to beat in the 4A.
Sahuaro falls short
After being knocked out by the Skyhawks during Round One of the Open State Playoffs, the Cougars (24-5) put together three straight victories in the 4A bracket.
The team defeated No. 1 seed ALA – Gilbert North in the semifinals. Despite not being able to bring home a state title, the Cougars had an incredible season that they can build on.
FINAL: Deer Valley 63, Sahuaro 61
It took an overtime period, but the Skyhawks are the 4A state champions. First time in school history.@azcsports pic.twitter.com/2qbv6mINqB
— Logan Stanley (@LSscribe) March 1, 2024
Sahuaro continues to seek their first state championship in over 20 years.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
